At a Glance

San Antonio today is a vibrant meeting of centuries of crossed paths — Native Americans, Colonial Spain, Germans, Old Mexico, the Canary Islands, the Wild West, the Deep South — and its big, gracious heart pays homage to them all. At the Alamo, hear of Travis’ last stand, barge the scenic River Walk’s urban twists and turns and put an unexpectedly revealing eye on San Antonio’s past.

Activity Level

Varies by date

Varies by date. On Your Feet – Walking up to one mile, frequent transportation by motor coach. Keep the Pace – Walking up to two miles daily, standing 1-2 hours, stairs.

Best of all, you'll ...

Delve into the 26 ethnic groups that settled the Texas frontier, including Germanic influences in the King William District.

Hear our award-winning master storyteller bring history and folklore alive through riveting tales that have been spun from cracker barrels to front porches for centuries.

Learn how to make the perfect enchilada from a female chef who prepared tacos for a presidential dinner, and then sit down to a full Mexican feast.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Allen Hamilton

Allen Lee Hamilton is a professor of Texas and American history at St. Philip's College in San Antonio who has taught more than 400 college classes during his 35 year career. The author of four books and over 30 articles in historical and popular journals, Allen has won three NISOD Awards from the University of Texas for Teaching Excellence, was named Professor of the Year twice, and is a Minnie Stevens Piper nominee for the Outstanding College Professor in Texas. He completed his undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Texas at Arlington, and his doctoral work at the University of Oklahoma. Perhaps most importantly, Allen is a fourth generation Texan whose family has been in this great state since 1866.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Bill Perryman

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Tim Draves

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Chita Harris

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Donna Ingham

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Ken Erfurth

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Margie Strayer

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Jim Kersey

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Diana Barrios

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Allen Hamilton

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Suggested Reading List

View 10 books

Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches

by S. C. Gwynne

S. C. Gwynne’s Empire of the Summer Moon spans two astonishing stories. The first traces the rise and fall of the Comanches, the most powerful Indian tribe in American history. The second entails one of the most remarkable narratives ever to come out of the Old West: the epic saga of the pioneer woman Cynthia Ann Parker and her mixed-blood son Quanah, who became the last and greatest chief of the Comanches.

Crown Jewel of Texas, the Story of the San Antonio River

by Lewis Fisher

Texas, My Texas: Musings of the Rambling Boy

by Lonn Taylor

In a collection of essays about Texas gathered from his West Texas newspaper column, Lonn Taylor traverses the very best of Texas geography, Texas history, and Texas personalities. In a state so famous for its pride, Taylor manages to write a very honest, witty, and wise book about Texas past and Texas present.

San Antonio: Outpost of Empires

by Lewis F. Fisher

San Antonio: Outpost of Empires is a vivid, honest portrait in words and pictures of San Antonio's evolution over the course of nearly three centuries, from the days of the colonists of New Spain to the defense of the Alamo to the inrush of a "jumble of races" to the rapid growth of the modern era.

From a Limestone Ledge: Some Essays and Other Ruminations about Country Life in Texas

by John Graves

Some of the most sensible, genial prose west of the Mississippi. A kind of sequel to Hard Scrabble-recounting more about his twenty years of quiet combat with the forces of nature.

As Texas Goes: How the Lone Star State Hijacked the American Agenda

by Gail Collins

Gail Collins, the best-selling author and columnist for the New York Times, visited Texas and discovered that in Texas, where Bush, Cheney, Rove, & Perry had created a conservative political agenda that is now sweeping the country and defining our national identity. Through its vigorous support of banking deregulation, lax environmental standards, and draconian tax cuts, through its fierce championing of states rights, gun ownership, and, of course, sexual abstinence, Texas, with Governor Rick Perry’s presidential ambitions, has become the bellwether of a far-reaching national movement that continues to have profound social and economic consequences for us all. Like it or not, as Texas goes, so goes the nation.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

by Louis Torres

People of the Storm

by Allen Lee Hamilton

People of the Storm is a sweeping historical novel about the epic and often brutal struggle between the United States and the Kiowa Indians over land, culture, and a way of life.

Gone to Texas, a History of the Lone Star State

by Randolph Campbell

Gone to Texas engagingly tells the story of the Lone Star State, from the arrival of humans in the Panhandle more than 10,000 years ago to the opening of the twenty-first century. Focusing on the state's successive waves of immigrants, the book offers an inclusive view of the vast array of Texans who, often in conflict with each other and always in a struggle with the land, created a history and an idea of Texas.

Gates of the Alamo (historically accurate novel)

by Stephen Harrigan

The Gates of the Alamo enfolds us in history and, through its remarkable and passionate storytelling, allows us to participate at last in an American legend. Filled with dramatic scenes, and abounding in fictional and historical personalities-among them James Bowie, David Crockett, William Travis, and General Santa Anna--Harrigan describes the battle from both sides.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, ask front desk staff or check signs in the lobby for the location of our Road Scholar meeting room to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes and other important information. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Our Group Leader will then present an introduction of San Antonio, explaining how the River Walk was developed and offering a short explanation about how various cultures converged on the area to make it the unique place that it is today. Each day at 5:30 p.m., the hotel has a reception on the second floor to which all are invited for free with a rotating menu of hot food and cold beverages. Save room for dinner!

Dinner: At the hotel, we'll have a catered dinner with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Continue gettting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night's rest for the day ahead.

DAY

2

Texas History, River Walk, Alamo, Menger Hotel

San Antonio, TX

B,L,D

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation. Walking up to 2 miles and climbing stairs; downtown streets.

Breakfast: In the hotel’s second floor mezzanine, have what you like from the breakfast buffet with choices such as scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, yogurt, granola, fresh fruit, bagels, toast, muffins, jellies and jams, oatmeal, cold cereal, milk, juices, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We’ll be joined by a professor from St. Philip’s College who will explain why Texas is the most universally famous place in America in a two-hour lecture focusing on the sweeping events and fascinating characters that make Texas the amazing place it is: what John Steinbeck described as "a state of mind…a mystique closely approximating a religion…the obsession, the proper study, and the passionate possession of all Texans.”

Lunch: We’ll walk to a nearby restaurant for a buffet lunch with salads, soups, made-to-order pasta, dessert, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We’ll embark on a walking field trip with by a local expert to explore some of San Antonio’s most iconic sites. We’ll also learn about the development of the River Walk and its impact on the transformation of the area. The Spanish colonial mission we know as the Alamo was established in 1718, and moved to its current location in 1724. Its history is fascinating and complex. After the gallant defense by 182 Texans against Gen. Santa Anna’s army in 1836, “Remember the Alamo!” became a rallying cry for Texas independence. We'll hear the story of the Alamo, then visit the Shrine, view artifacts, and watch a short movie. The Menger, the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi, was established in 1859 and set the standard of luxury for its day. Among the historic events that took place here, Teddy Roosevelt recruited his “Rough Riders” cavalry brigade. Our expert will take us inside for a peek at the elaborately appointed lobbies and the Menger bar, to see memorabilia from TR's time. We’ll understand more about Texas pride as we visit these historic sites. Late afternoon, we’ll board a river barge for a narrated ride and learn how the city was able to turn a flood control project into a beautiful attraction that has become the center point of the city. We’ll see how stone pathways connect shops, restaurants, hotels and museums with a blend of historic and modern architecture that resonate the depth of this centuries-old metropolis. We’ll return to the hotel at the end of our field trip for some time to relax or enjoy the hotel reception.

Dinner: We'll walk to a nearby restaurant that offers a variety of entrée choices; coffee, tea, water included, other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: A San Antonio native will regale us with stories about the city's interesting past and colorful characters.

DAY

3

Spanish Missions, TexMex Cooking Demo, Art Museum, Cathedral

San Antonio, TX

B,L,D

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1 mile, standing in museum up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We'll start the day at the San Antonio Mission National Historic Park where an expert will lead as we explore the missions that make up the historic park. Learn about the early settlement and efforts of the Spanish to convert local people to the Roman Catholic Church and an agricultural lifestyle. See how the Spanish used “acequia” (irrigation systems) to develop self sustaining agricultural communities along the San Antonio River. We will then have a culinary adventure with all you need to know to begin Tex-Mex cooking at a family owned restaurant. With the head chef and owner, learn how to prepare a delicious Mexican meal with picante while hearing the story of how her mother struggled to start the restaurant and how the family business has expanded to satisfy the hunger of thousands of happy customers.

Lunch: At the family restaurant, savor a delicious meal of Tex-Mex cuisine.

Afternoon: Art enthusiasts will delight in a field trip to one of San Antonio’s finest art institutions. Enjoy a visit to the McNay Museum of Art, a Spanish Colonial Revival-style home which opened as the first museum of modern art in Texas in 1954. Today, its visitors are captivated by magnificent works of art by modern masters including Paul Gauguin, Vincent Van Gogh, Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keeffe, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Finish off this day of exploration with a stop that takes us back in time to the Spanish colonial era of San Antonio in the 18th century at San Fernando Cathedral. The oldest church sanctuary in the United States, it was completed in 1750 and is still an active parish of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Construction began on the cathedral shortly after the Canary Island colonists, granted land and title by Spain’s King Philip V, settled here in 1731.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, enjoy a choice of entrées, plus coffee tea, water.

Evening: Optional activity- If you like, this evening you may walk across the plaza adjacent to the hotel to the San Fernando Cathedral to see it like never before during a light show put together by French artist Xavier De Richemont. This 24 minute show tells the story of San Antonio from its beginnings to present day, projected on the front of the Cathedral. The Cathedral of San Fernando was built from 1738-50 by settlers from the Canary Islands who had been granted land by Spain's King Philip V. Santa Anna raised the red flag of “no quarter” from the church tower during the siege of the Alamo.

DAY

4

German Immigrant Talk, River Barge Ride, Free Time

San Antonio, TX

B,L

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll be joined by a local university professor on the intriguing story of German immigrant Mary Menger, who operated two large San Antonio enterprises in the mid 19th century and demonstrated that a woman can thrive during a time when men dominated local commerce. As a widow and single mother, Menger profited from both the Western Brewery and Menger Hotel, becoming San Antonio’s largest employer. After a short break, we'll catch a narrated barge ride on the San Antonio River, located 20 feet below street level and just steps from the famed Alamo. See how stone pathways connect shops, restaurants, hotels and museums with a blend of historic and modern architecture that resonate the depth of this centuries-old metropolis. The barge driver will tell you all about the history of the area and the buildings you pass as you float along the river.

Lunch: We'll enjoy lunch at a river walk restaurant near the hotel with a variety of entrée choices, which inclueds tea, coffee and water.

Afternoon: The rest of the afternoon is an opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

5

Storytelling, Historic Homes, Western Art Museum

San Antonio, TX

B,L,D

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk

Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles, standing for up to 2 hours. Ability to board public transportation with minimal assistance.

Breakfast: Full breakfast buffet at the hotel.

Morning: From campfires to cracker barrels to front porches, folks have been gathering around campfires for centuries and tales told well still work their magic. Texas history and folklore come alive through riveting tales – some true, some tall – told by our award-winning storyteller, so gather round, sit back, and enjoy. Chuckle at humorous stories and Texas myths told by our storyteller.

Lunch: We’ll venture to “South Town” for a meal at a popular local restaurant.

Afternoon: We’ll head to the historic King William neighborhood to hear the interesting stories of immigrants and others who were instrumental in the economic development of the city. We’ll see mansions and cottages of varied architectural styles built by successful families after the Civil War. Walk along the San Antonio River and imagine when this part of the city served as farm land to support the Alamo complex in mission days. We’ll visit downtown’s newest museum, the Briscoe Museum of Western Art. Learn more about the development of Texas and the Old West as we enjoy seeing art and artifacts from the region.

Dinner: We’ll have a festive farewell dinner at a River Walk restaurant featuring a choice of entrée while enjoying live mariachi music.

Evening: At leisure. Linger over dinner or return to the hotel and prepare for check-out and departure in the morning following our closing session.

DAY

6

Early Texas Medicine, Program Concludes

San Antonio, TX

B

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Take a peek at the system of folk medicine that came to be used by the early Texans, who were often forced to find substitutes for remedies that had been available in their previous environs. They began to share “cures” with people from other cultures such as Native Americans, Mexicans, Germans, Poles, Swedes, and many others. A local educator will join us as we look inside the medical cabinets of these early settlers with a long-time local educator. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals

13 Meals

5 Breakfasts

4 Lunches

4 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

Enjoy historical elegance and spectacular views along the famous River Walk. The Drury Plaza Hotel is the restored 1929 Alamo National Bank Building, located on the River Walk, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Using Art Deco ornamentation and the principles of the Beaux-Arts, the architects designed the twenty-four story skyscraper and incorporated the Texas Stars and southwest patterns. This architectural masterpiece has been a landmark in the San Antonio skyline since its construction. The outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, on the hotel's 24th floor, features city-wide views. Also featured is a breath-taking view of sunset over the San Fernando Cathedral from hotel's 14th floor Cathedral Terrace. To make reservations for additional nights before or after your program, please call 800-378-7946. Tell the agent you are participating in a Road Scholar program and use rate code 301219. This will allow you to reserve a room at a discounted rate at either the Drury Plaza River Walk hotel downtown, or the Pear Tree Inn San Antonio Airport. You can also make reservations directly online, using the following link: https://wwws.druryhotels.com/Reservations.aspx?property=0130&corpid=301219

This was our first Road Scholar trip and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The hotel accommodations were excellent. We saw parts of the city we wouldn’t have been aware of had we gone on our own. We met a lot of really nice people on the tour. We had a positive experience and will likely do more tours with Road Scholar.

The San Antonio signature trip rocks! The quality of the speakers = remarkable, Their
knowledge, love of Texas, delightful wit and humor made each lecture super fun. Same
to be said for the awesome leader Betsy Kiker- professional, low key, with a unique and
charming style that was warm and humorous, Betsy is a superb advocate for San Antonio and
Road Scholar. Her infectious love for her "hometown" was the secret ingredient that made
the group a cohesive, happy bunch! Millie was also quite wonderful. This tripTotally
Exceeded my expectations.

This was an exciting program. I loved visiting a part of Texas I was unfamiliar with. San Antonio is a wonderful, diverse, open city, and very beautiful. The River Walk is exceptionally lovely. People I met were open and friendly. I recommend the trip wholeheartedly.

I have wanted to take a trip to San Antonio for years, finally did it! I loved the entire trip. We had some wonderful presentations, my favorites were Allen Hamilton, his presentation on the history of Texas was witty and informative. I would take his class on history if I lived there. The other presenter I enjoyed immensely was Donna Ingham, Tale teller and author.
Our group leader Della Savage was fun and cordial and helpful. I loved our hotel, the openness of it, fast elevators, wonderful afternoon kickback receptions at 5:30. Very generous giving everyone three free drinks of their choice and lots of happy hour food even more so with salad, soups, nacho, chips, grilled chicken or beef, salsa, hot dogs, popcorn, etc...
The breakfasts were plentiful, scrambled eggs, sausage patties, pancakes, oatmeal, cereals, etc...The itinerary was interesting and we were kept busy. Many trips after dinner you have nothing to do but being on the River Walk was always interesting walking around, very colorful. Our barge ride was peaceful in the morning, the pool on the 23rd floor was very nice, great Jacuzzi.
One of the highlights was one evening we enjoyed a fantastic 24 minute video on the façade of the San Fernando Cathedral, with music telling the story of San Antonio. It was mesmerizing! The Briscoe Western Art Museum was beautiful and very interesting.
Our Tex Mex Cooking demonstration was fun and the variety of Margarita's were so colorful. The salsa was the best I've ever tasted. Wasn't crazy about the enchilada or puffed taco. I filled up on salsa and chips and the guacamole.
Learning about the Alamo was very interesting, they have a short movie, I also went to the IMAX show, a 48 minute show on "The Alamo" The Price of Freedom.
Our visit to the Menger Hotel and history was very interesting. One tip is to find someone to share a cab with, cheaper in the long run and you won't have to wait long, the shuttle is slow and not reliable.

This was definitely one of the best Road Scholar trips I have been on! San Antonio is a beautiful, fun, diverse, and cultured city. The city was only enhanced by the educational components that Road Scholar provides. The hotel, with its "free" breakfast and happy hour, and close proximity to everything was also great! Go in the spring, when everything is in bloom!

This was a wonderful program - San Antonio is a beautiful and historic city. The Riverwalk is a great walking area in the city. We had a wonderful time with a cooking demonstration, met new friends, and enjoyed every part of this program - cruise on the river, interesting and humorous speakers, and a walk through the historic King William area, to name a few of the activities.

This program far exceeded my expectations for a learning tour of San Antonio, a city we have visited in the past. All the presenters were excellent, both in their knowledge of their subjects and enthusiasm in presenting it to us. The location of our hotel was walking distance of most of this exciting city's attractions. This was well worth our time and money, and I recommend it to you, even if you have been to the city previously.

The Signature City San Antonio Program introduced me to the beauty of the San Fernando Cathedral, provided me with insight into the events leading up to the Alamo and introduced me to the delights of Riverwalk! I thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

This was a wonderful program, well organized, with an excellent tour guide. Della is very professional and was well prepared.
Presenters are top notch. If you like history and culture and wish to
learn about San Antonio and all it has to offer this trip is for you!
You will not be disappointed. I highly recommend it.

Great way to visit San Antonio. An intro to Texas history and that of San Antonio. Visit the major "must-see" sites. Excellent program leader (Ginger Burkholder) and presenters. Good hotel location (on the River Walk) for free time activities.

This was a wonderful program, and I highly recommend it! The group leader, Ginger, was delightful. Her enthusiasm and warmth made everything interesting. Before going to San Antonio, I did not realize how many interesting things there were to see and do there -- e.g. the Alamo, the missions, the museums, and the light show at the Cathedral (called "the Saga"--don't miss it!) The hotel is right on the Riverwalk and within walking distance of many of the sights. The restaurants on the Riverwalk have great food and a wonderful ambience. The cooking class featured authentic Mexican cuisine. I tried a prickly pear margarita for the first time and fell in love with it!!

This was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The group leader and instructors were knowledgable and passionate about their city; the program content was varied and comprehensive with lots of history and culture; the hotel is in the heart of downtown and and convenient to everything, especially the gorgeous River Walk; and the program participants were interesting, curious and great fun to be with. We also enjoyed the added bonus of perfect spring weather for the entire 5 days! I highly recommend this program.

The San Antonio Signature City experience was undoubtedly one of Road Scholar's best. It is well planned to understand the background and present day objectives of the city. The atmosphere of the River Walk
permeates the experience.

I HIGHLY recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in learning about the wonderful history of Texas and San Antonio. The trip was well organized, informative and a lot of fun! We experienced the culture and history of San Antonio, and it was truly memorable.